The decision to install a VoIP PBX in our business is a very important step forward in the expansion and consolidation. An IP PBX will be very useful for everything that goes with it; its VoIP terminals are connected to the network, they allows to synchronize the switchboard with the CRM services, calendar, email, contacts agenda or others, and all the management is done from the cloud. The Asterisk control unit is a great options for all companies. But do you know what it is you need to install it like a professional?
The characteristics of the Asterisk PBX
Asterisk is one of the many options based on VoIP. It is one of the most versatile on the market, as well as being completely free thanks to the fact that it has a GNU free software license. Simply go to the Asterisk website and download the latest version of the software package.
Of course, Asterisk is a software package that will turn any computer into a powerful telephone switchboard, but that requires high knowledge and a well-trained technical staff. Therefore, we recommend you to trust the specific professional training in this sector and have in-house technicians who can take charge of the installation and maintenance of your Asterisk system.
And, where do I install Asterisk?
This switchboard needs to be installed on a computer. You must follow the manufacturer's recommendations in terms of minimum benefits that computer should have. Although this software is compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux, we recommend that you bet on a Linux system since it has been programmed on that language and you will save problems arising from the reprogramming.
What software should you download and what does (in summary) each part do?
On the official website of Asterisk you will find everything you need, although you can also make use of external modules in other pages. Keep in mind to ensure the security and reliability of what you download with a good antivirus. Better to prevent, right?
As we have said before, Asterisk is a free software that can not only be installed freely, but it is perfectly modifiable. Don't trust web versions that make you pay for the package. Asterisk Communications Framework is the basis of the system, the core on which the entire architecture will be built. But beware, only the basic package of Asterisk may be insufficient for the needs of your business. For this reason, you have at your disposal the add-ons, interfaces or drivers that allow you to model the system to adapt it to what you need. And is that Asterisk is a system adaptable to companies that need 2 or 3 lines, even companies that require thousands of phones operating simultaneously.
On the Asterisk website you will also find the DAHDI (Digium / Asterisk Hardware Device Interface) package. It is about the drivers that we must install so that the system recognizes the communication cards that we are using. Put another way: in the same way that when we turn on our computer, it is able to detect a printer, scanner or video card or sound thanks to the drivers, DAHDI allows the system to detect any type of digital communication card or analog.
The LibPRI package is also necessary for our VoIP Asterisk PBX. This package allows to use the IDSN system that was born in 1988 with the intention of being able to use digital voice and data transport services over the existing analogue telephone network. One of the most widespread uses is in the radio, with the use of IDSN terminals that serve to send a live broadcast of, for example, a game from the stadium to the center in real time and without loss of quality. LibPRI is the software package in charge of managing the multiple digital telephone access points simultaneously with our switchboard.
Finally, and depending on your company, you should bear in mind that this switchboard can be adapted in many ways to the needs of your company. In the same way that you can add extra features to your browser thanks to the plugin, Asterisk offers the possibility of adding add-ons. These are small programs that your should understand as modules that will allow you to connect external applications or offer extra function to the lines of your VoIP exchange. An example would be to be able to provide each terminal with a voicemail service or a call waiting service in which, when we leave the user 'on hold', this will isten to some type of music or pre-recorded message. These are two of the examples, but each company can either tak add-ons created by other users, or create them from scracth to adapt them. the versatility of Asterisk is endless.
Asterisk, undoubtedly, is for you
The Asterisk system shines with its own light. Its a free, powerful system whose benefits will be adapted to the communication needs of your company. The good training of your employees and the computer team will be key to be able to perform the installation and maintenance tasks of Asterisk. But whether you need few lines, or if you need thousands of them simultaneously to cover more ambitious projects, Asterisk is undoubtedly designed for your business.
